Any of you ever read Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain? I'm about 3/4ths of the way through, it's one of the best books I've ever read. It's a look into the sub-culture of professional kitchens, some of it is disturbing (don't eat fish on monday, don't order mussels, and don't ask for meat well-done), but mostly it's hysterical.

I've read it and loved it. Afterwards I read the Ruth Reichl book about being a food critic in New York. Then I read the one written by a waitress who was there when the 4-star Per Se opened in NY ("Service Included"). It was great reading all 3 perspectives from the NY dining scene.

The Cheesecake Factory has really good plantains. If I go there with my mom and my sister and either of them get the black pepper shrimp since they both love it, I'll have some of the plantains that come with it (or I may even order an extra side if I feel like it).

So I've narrowed it to the Eden Center, but that's still a ton of choices.

There's a vietnamese restaurant in Damascus/Germantown...I think they have sandwiches. I can't remember, it's been like a year since I went there with my ex. They have a crapload of food, though...I feel like it's off 118 or 124. It's right next to a Popeyes and Pizza Hut I think...

Sorry I can't be more specific, I just remembered that there's a vietnamese place up there she always used to talk about and loved or whatever.

Anyone a fan of Crock Pots or "slow cookers" I believe is the generic term? Any favorite recipes? We got one last year to replace an ancient one, but it gets too hot and burns the food. Just got a new one the other day so we'll see how that one works. But what are some things to cook in it, other than the "beef stew" bag of stuff I got from the freezer aisle.

Anyone a fan of Crock Pots or "slow cookers" I believe is the generic term? Any favorite recipes? We got one last year to replace an ancient one, but it gets too hot and burns the food. Just got a new one the other day so we'll see how that one works. But what are some things to cook in it, other than the "beef stew" bag of stuff I got from the freezer aisle.

recommendation for pizza - buon appetito in Chantilly next to k-mart. To be honest, it's the best italian restaurant i've ever eaten in as far as food quality, even though it's a counter-service place.

Anyone a fan of Crock Pots or "slow cookers" I believe is the generic term? Any favorite recipes? We got one last year to replace an ancient one, but it gets too hot and burns the food. Just got a new one the other day so we'll see how that one works. But what are some things to cook in it, other than the "beef stew" bag of stuff I got from the freezer aisle.

Anyone a fan of Crock Pots or "slow cookers" I believe is the generic term? Any favorite recipes? We got one last year to replace an ancient one, but it gets too hot and burns the food. Just got a new one the other day so we'll see how that one works. But what are some things to cook in it, other than the "beef stew" bag of stuff I got from the freezer aisle.